Dear Nursing Home Administrator Letter: Proposed SCREEN Revisions

April 21, 2009

DRS/DAL: #09-03

Proposed SCREEN Revisions

Dear Nursing Home Administrator:

The purpose of this letter is to inform you that a change to the SCREEN form regulation (10 NYCRR Section 400.12) is in process. At present, the actual form is included in this existing regulation. The proposed change will result in the removal of the SCREEN form from this regulation. This change will provide the Department with flexibility to revise the SCREEN form as needed, consistent with federal requirements. Upon adoption of the revised regulation, the form will be available on the Department of Health public website. At this time, the Department expects this change to occur on or about September 1, 2009.

The Department has drafted a revised SCREEN form that more closely aligns with the federal regulations. It is important to note the revised SCREEN form and instructions will replace all preexisting SCREEN forms and instructions when the regulatory change occurs. Due to substantial changes in the SCREEN form, all previously qualified SCREENERS will be required to attend the new SCREEN training course.

Island Peer Review Organization (IPRO), the New York State Department of Health contact is responsible to conduct the SCREEN trainings. IPRO will begin providing SCREEN training using the revised documents and issuing the new SCREENER identification numbers beginning May 2009. Specific information regarding training can be found at ipro.org (upcoming events). Department regulations (10 NYCRR Section 400.11) require that each Residential Health Care Facility have trained and qualified SCREENERS on staff. Facilities are strongly advised to provide this training to appropriate staff prior to implementation of the new form.

In summary, all SCREEN training courses will provide first time and previously qualified SCREENERS with new SCREENER identification numbers. Following adoption of the amended regulations, the only persons qualified to initiate and complete the revised SCREEN form will be those who have been issued the new SCREENER identification numbers.

It is important that your facility plan for these changes in order to best serve your residents. If you have any questions, please contact Kathleen Minucci at (518) 408-1282.

Sincerely,

Jacqueline Pappalardi, Director
Division of Residential Services